Such A Tragedy

FCTC produces one of Shakespeare’s most noted plays

August 16, 2012

SHEPHERDSTOWN - Shakespearean plays - people either love them or hate them. Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth - they all contain old English which is hard to follow and a list of characters you need a flow chart to keep up with; however, Shakespeare's fantastic understanding of the human condition and the emotional spectrum is what makes his plays so extraordinary.

Jealously and ambition are two very powerful emotions. They can drive a man to either greatness or madness. In the case of Shakespeare's Richard III it's the latter. Shakespeare wrote plays within three different genres - comedies, histories and tragedies. While Richard III is categorized as a historical play, it contains the tragic elements of murder and deceit.

With Danielle Guy directing, Full Circle Theater Company is producing Richard III this weekend. Guy trained at the American Shakespeare Center in Stanton, Va, and says she is excited to be presenting this play.

Article Photos

Journal photos by Ron AgnirDuring the fourth scene, in the London Tower, the Duke of Clarence (Paul Bailey) shares his ghastly dreams with Brackenberry (Grace Gonzales) in the FCTC production of Richard III.

Jerry Tracy plays Richard, Duke of Glouster in the FCTC production of Richard III.

"Richard III is a very popular play. It's Shakespeare's most popular play being performed right now. People should not be intimidated by Shakespeare, especially this play. The actors are doing such a good job telling the story where you're able to follow it and understand it," she said.

"I think most people are afraid of the language, but being able to see it rather than hear it can push you beyond that wall," said Jacqueline Guy, who portrays the Dutchess of York.

"To those who have read Shakespeare and decided they didn't like it - these plays were never meant to be read, but to be seen," added Francess Koogler, who plays the role of Queen Elizabeth. "Always give the staged version a chance."

Typical of Shakespeare, there are several different interpretations audience members can walk away with. While this play is about one man's jealousy and greed, it's also about family dynamics and how your closest relatives can be your best source of advice or your worst enemy.

"I believe theater shows the truth," said Danielle Guy said. "Yes, tragedy happens, but we never know what really happened. Like with those Colorado shootings. You wonder why or how a person could go to those lengths. Getting the whole story helps us understand violence and tragedies."

"I think this show is especially strong on the sense of family. That happens a lot with Shakespeare, but especially with this one. It's amazing to me how charged family relations are," Koogler said.

"We are trying to catch the humanity of it," Danielle Guy added, "each character's traits and their flaws."

"There's something in almost every character you can identify with," Koogler said.

"As a cast, we have had a really good time exploring the characters and adding depth," Jacqueline Guy said.

"I think the way Danielle approaches the piece is more accessible than perhaps what people are expecting," said Laura Richards-Bakin, who plays the role of Queen Margaret. "She's very creative and fresh, and has a very solid understanding of Shakespeare. When I say 'fresh,' I'm thinking of the elements (lighting and sound) she adds."